A small country of quality players – the story of Cape Verde

But as the tournament proper this month in Cote d’Ivoire, it’s The Blue Sharks who have sealed their ticket to the knockout stage while the two favourites – and minnows Mozambique – anxiously wait for Monday.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says it’s their mentality that has got them this far.

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“I think it's how we love our country because there is no other words. If we say we don't have many conditions, there is no money but we like what we do and we do [it] for our people. So, we are proud of this and we are glad because there's no other words we can say," Vozinha said.

Following back-to-back wins against Ghana and Mozambique this week to go into the final round of group matches against The Pharaohs with calm nerves, the 37-year-old shot stopper believes this is only the start for Cape Verde.

The blend of youth and experience has paved the way for the next generation.

"We have a great quality and we have a lot of players that come from academies in Cape Verde and then some were born outside [Cape Verde] and there's a mix of everything and that shows the quality that we have," Vozinha added.

Their 3-0 thumping of Mozambique on Friday afternoon was one that typified the kind of side Cape Verde are: strong, relentless and compact.

Vozinha says that’s an example of their camaraderie.

"The team spirit here is amazing, we know we are a small country but if we are united, we can achieve many great things. So, I have to congratulate all my teammates and all the staff because we do a great job.

“All of them have good quality but sometimes it's just the moment and now maybe we are watching the things and seeing in different ways but we come here to compete. Our first target was to qualify to the second round and now we have to continue and focus on the next game and then work."